The legislative policy and service initiatives needed to address prostitution in Malta

Abstract

This dissertation aimed at exploring the perspectives of experts and professionals on the current legislative policy approaches regarding prostitution in Malta and their views on how prostitution should be addressed through policies and service initiatives. This study uses European Union Member States as the comparative background study to examine which of the approaches to policy initiatives and legislation adopted by fellow EU member states would be most suitable in the Maltese context. A qualitative approach that used in-depth, semi structured interviews with professionals in the relevant sector was the deemed the most suitable research method adopted for this research. This methodology provided the information the research study needed, supplemented and enriched the findings obtained from the extensive literature sources accessed. This study was rendered inconclusive as the main stakeholders, namely the sex workers could not be identified for ethical reasons. Although a single approach that would meet the requirements of the Maltese situation could not be chosen the research presented a number of policies and service initiatives which are needed to address prostitution in Malta irrespective of the approach which our country should take. The participants empathized with the distressing and stressful situation in which prostitutes find themselves, and portrayed these people as victims of the trade but also victims of stigma and prejudice from the general public. The study draws upon these conclusions reached by participants to propose most of the policies and service initiatives. It was evident that most of the participants were concerned with the issues of abuse on the prostitutes and their replies were all based on the ned to promote the wellbeing of the prostitute. The study resulted in mixed responses which is a testimony of the complexity of the subject at hand which in turn proved inconclusive. The issue of the topic being such a taboo subject in Malta did not help in giving a clear picture of the phenomenon of prostitution in Malta therefore further research is recommended with the participation of prostitutes themselves.